Rajasthan: Laneways & Local Villages - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the main focus of the Rajasthan: Laneways & Local Villages tour?

  This 15-day tour focuses on exploring some of India's most incredible kingdoms, cities, towns, and villages in Rajasthan. You'll experience vibrant cities, ancient caravan routes, and admire beautifully frescoed traditional townhouses.

• What are some of the main highlights I can expect to see on this trip?

  Key highlights include exploring historic kingdoms, experiencing the colorful Blue and Pink Cities (Jodhpur and Jaipur), learning about the heritage of Amber Fort, and taking in the lovely grandeur of the Taj Mahal.

• What is the typical age range for travelers on this tour?

  This tour is designed for '18-to-Thirtysomethings', with a minimum age of 18 and a maximum age of 39.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The physical rating for this tour is 2.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

  Yes, this tour is suitable for solo travelers. Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• What happens if I book the 'My Own Room' option?

  If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops during the tour.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will be staying in a variety of hotels and guest houses (13 nights in hotels, 1 night in a heritage hotel). Please note that power cuts can be a regular occurrence in India, and while some hotels have generators, they may not always work.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  One breakfast and one dinner are included in this trip.

• What are the primary modes of transportation used during the tour?

  The primary modes of transportation are private vehicles and walking. Be aware that road travel in India can be different from Western countries, with varying road conditions and driving styles.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should contact your airline for baggage allowances and check-in times.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides.

• What is the recommended currency for this trip and are credit cards accepted?

  The local currency is Indian Rupees (INR). ATMs are available in major cities for Visa and Mastercard. USD cash is also recommended. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

• What emergency funds should I have access to on this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What are the tipping guidelines for service providers and the CEO?

  Tipping is customary in Asia, typically around 10% for service providers. For drivers and local guides, a recommendation would be $4-5 USD per person per day. For the CEO, if you felt they did an outstanding job, $8-10 USD per person per day is a guideline.

• Where can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage coverage are also strongly recommended.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required, so consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and hand sanitizers. Our leaders are prohibited from administering any drugs. Pharmacies in Asia usually stock Western drugs, but locally produced, so bring full drug names for prescriptions.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  We recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leaving valuable jewelry at home, and using hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is also advised. During free time, it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis at night, as cities can have risks. Avoid protests and demonstrations, and only participate in water-based activities with a guide.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and to use tools like Equaldex to assess destinations.

• What is the recommended dress code to respect local customs?

  Dress standards in Asia are more conservative. It's recommended to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing that covers knees and shoulders, especially when visiting rural communities, temples, mosques, or other holy sites, as this may restrict entry. Warmer clothes may be useful for Northern India between mid-December and end of February.

• Are there any special notes or unique events for certain departure dates?

  Yes, if you wish to experience the Holi festival, ensure you are in India on March 14, 2025, or March 4, 2026.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi; Jeep Safari and Mehrangarh Fort visit in Jodhpur; Ranakpur Jain Temples visit; Bagore-ki-Haveli Cultural Show, boat ride on Lake Pichola, cooking class, City Palace visit, Monsoon Palace visit, and sunrise cycle tour in Udaipur; Traditional Dinner in the Desert in Pushkar; Jeep Safari, camel cart ride, and old fort visit in Tordi Garh; Movie at Raj Mandir, Hawa Mahal, Jaipur Balloon Ride, Jantar Mantar Observatory, and Jaipur Cycle Tour in Jaipur.